Centralight

corn in Washington on a farm that supplied a food bank. He also has helped build a Derek Evenhouse, '10, picked currently traveling the nation with friends looking for volunteer opportunities. playground (top right). He's One CMU alumnus drives a magic school bus. Its special power: Wherever it goes, a volunteer spirit comes with it. Derek Evenhouse,'10, drives the rainbow-colored 1996 International Carpenter 65-passenger school bus around the country. Their ride is nicknamed the LOST Bus – which stands for Lending Our Services Traveling. "The name directly reflects our vision and mission for our adventure," he says. "When we travel across America, we hope to inspire others with our unique lifestyle. We plan to demonstrate the possibilities to live differently, help others and create positive influences on our planet." 16 centralight summer '12 When Evenhouse, who has a degree in outdoor recreation and education and a minor in natural resources, neared his CMU graduation he and two of his Holland Christian High School friends – Chad Deters and Ben Tucker – talked about what they could do to make a difference. "The LOST Bus originated as an idea to simplify our lives, live differently and serve others," Evenhouse says. "We are three young men who want to challenge the status quo." So they bought a bus, painted it to stand out and set off on the road. They began in January 2011 with the plan to do it for a year. But with the overwhelming positive response, the men have continued their mission for a second year. They have done a variety of volunteering jobs. They cleaned up hurricane debris and restored homes in Texas. They did maintenance on the grounds of a New Mexico bird sanctuary. They worked as counselors at an Idaho oncology camp. They cleaned trash out of mangroves in Key West. "All three of us are passionate about the outdoors, helping others and adventure," Evenhouse says. "We believe that dedicating our time to serving others and our environment will positively affect the lives of those we work with as well as our own." In addition to their custom living quarters on the inside of the bus, it now has signatures and quotes from acquaintances and supporters of the LOST Bus whom they have met on their travels. Business cards, stickers and photographs fill the interior — including the walls, ceiling and even the refrigerator — as small reminders of all the people the trio met along the way. "We have found it is a blessing to be able to help others on this journey," says Evenhouse, who says their travels have been funded by donations. "It has been encouraging to experience the hospitality from everyone and pass it on to the people we meet along the way. We have been overwhelmed with the goodness of the American people, and we will continue to document our experiences and interactions through blogs and photos." To follow the Lost Bus' adventure, go to www.lostbus.com. •

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